Is Invisalign or Traditional Braces Best For Your Child?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should schedule an appointment with your local Central Florida orthodontist as soon as signs of orthodontic problems are spotted. However, all children, regardless of problems, should see an orthodontist by age seven to help detect potential future issues and create a plan of action. In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend putting off treatment until your child is older, especially if the problem isn’t severe or their permanent teeth haven’t all come in yet. To help you understand this process better, here is what you need to know about Invisalign vs traditional braces for teeth straightening for young children and teens.

How Young is Too Young?

Most orthodontics offices will advise waiting to begin treatment until your child is between 10 and 13 years old depending on the severity of the problem and oral development level. For instance, many will wait to introduce braces for teeth straightening until all permanent teeth have come in. Starting treatment at these ages also helps ensure that the children are mature enough to better take care of their teeth during treatment.

Your local orthodontist office will be able to diagnose the problems that need treatment and create a plan that takes into consideration all of these factors. They will also be able to note which types of treatment will be most beneficial. While many patients enjoy the discreet appearance of Invisalign or other clear aligners, these options may not work for more severe cases.

Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

While many kids may dread getting traditional metal braces, in some cases, they will be a better choice than options like Invisalign. While care needs to be taken with any type of braces, removable aligners do require a bit more maturity to care for. Needing to be worn for at least 22 hours every day, removed before eating and drinking, and cleaned thoroughly before being put back in, Invisalign aligners can sometimes be more than young children can handle.

That said, teenagers can often benefit more from discreet options like this, as they will feel less self-conscious during treatment and more inclined to take care of their aligners properly. Ultimately, the type of treatment that your child ends up undergoing will depend on the type of problem that needs to be corrected and their individual maturity level. You should speak at length with your local orthodontist office to ensure that your child receives the best option possible for them.

More Than Just Straight Teeth

While many people get braces for aesthetic purposes, straighter teeth can also help improve oral health and make cleaning easier. Ensuring that your child’s orthodontic problems are treated early can not only help give them a great smile, but it can help set them up for a healthier mouth in the future. If your dentist has advised seeing an orthodontist, or if your child is seven or older and hasn’t seen one yet, consider setting up an appointment. While they may not need treatment right away, it’s always better to know your options before small problems become larger than they need to.